Mitsubishi Motors recalls electric cars for airbag defect

Japan based Mitsubishi Motors has recalled a few number of its all-electric cars in the United States. The cars have been recalled due to the possibility that the front and side airbag systems may be deactivated.

Mitsubishi has recalled 261 of its 2012 model i-MiEV subcompact hatchbacks due to an incompatibility between the airbag censors and the self diagnostic software. This might cause the side and the curtain bags not to deploy or the front bags might deploy late in the crash.

The information about the recall was let out by the documents filed with the US safety regulators. The documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that if the airbag system is deactivated, a warning light would illuminate to alert the driver.

The company is not aware of any injuries or accidents due to the defects and will replace the sensors. A similar recall will also be launched in Canada affecting up to 49 vehicles according to the NHTSA documents and Mitsubishi officials. The recall is relatively small and is affecting just 261 vehicles. It is a significant stumble for Mitsubishi in the rollout of its quirky electric car. The company has also not yet heard of any accidents due to the issue.